Springfield's Sci-Tech high school locked down for what turns out to be 'fake gun'

SPRINGFIELD — The High School of Science and Technology was locked down briefly Tuesday afternoon for a report of someone entering the building with a gun, but the lockdown was lifted a short time later when the gun turned out to be a toy, police said.

Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet, said the suspect was identified and detained by Springfield police Quebec officers inside the school about 30 seconds after the report was made.

The person stopped is a 17-year-old juvenile. His name was not released due to his age. He was found with a toy gun in his backpack. Police also found a small knife, Delaney said.

Delaney said it is not clear at this point if he will face charges.

Azell Cavaan, spokeswoman for the Springfield School Department, said the report was made just after dismissal. “Police investigated and found the person to be in possession of a fake gun. The lockdown was lifted shortly after,” she said.